If You're Listening
ABC
The world is on fire. There's a coup. Inflation is through the roof, and AI is taking our jobs. What does it all mean? Each week, Matt Bevan explains the biggest story in world news while hiding in his basement from assassins and authoritarian regimes.
Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs.
The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
There's a new episode of If You're Listening every Thursday.
Recent episodes include an exploration of the relationship between India and China, a closer look at the Saudi Arabian city of NEOM, the conflict in the Middle East, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, and Ukraine's incursions into Vladimir Putin's Russia. Matt Bevan draws connections between stories from the past and the events of the present to help listeners understand world news and international affairs.
The podcast also features series about big moments in world news; previous series have focused on the United States presidential election, the United Kingdom's 14 years of Conservative Party leadership, Donald Trump's relationship with Russia, Donald Trump's presidency and promise to Make America Great Again, the Mueller Report, Vladimir Putin's scheme to destroy western democracies, how the relationship between Australia and China came to the verge of collapse, and Australia's turbulent history with climate change.
There's a new episode of If You're Listening every Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 25min
Can we afford to power AI?
The discussion dives into the staggering resource demands of AI, highlighting doubled data centers and rising emissions from tech giants. It raises critical questions about sustainability and whether our water and energy conservation efforts are being undermined. Insights on GPUs explain their pivotal role in AI's rapid growth, while also addressing the environmental impacts tied to their use. Plus, the conversation explores AI's potential to assist in environmental solutions, making the future of AI both exciting and concerning.
8 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 20min
This town ain't big enough for two dog puppets
Dive into the bizarre tale of a legal feud between two puppet dogs! Discover how the Pets.com sock puppet sparked a massive advertising campaign during the dot-com boom. Compare its charm with Triumph the Insult Comic Dog's abrasive personality. Enjoy the humor as Triumph mocks Pets.com in a scathing response to their lawsuit. Ultimately, the case never went to trial after Pets.com's downfall, leaving both puppets to follow very different fates. Unravel the quirky world of marketing mascots and their outrageous courtroom drama!
16 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 24min
Is the AI bubble too big to burst?
The podcast dives into the skyrocketing salaries in the AI industry, spotlighting staggering pay packages and talent poaching among giants like Meta and OpenAI. It raises a compelling question: Is the current AI investment bubble heading for a crash similar to the dot-com disaster? With comparisons drawn between the two eras, the discussion probes investor psychology and the sustainability of burgeoning AI businesses. Lastly, it tackles concerns about whether today's AI infrastructure will hold value in the long run.
Oct 27, 2025 • 0sec
The people have spoken and they love mud
The hosts tackle intriguing listener questions while recovering from the flu. They explore potential scenarios of world leaders challenging Trump and discuss the 22nd Amendment's limits on presidential terms. The conversation dives into the controversial U.S. voter registration system and how party affiliation shapes elections. A fascinating segment reveals the significance of Ukraine's fertile Chernozem mud, linking its value to both agriculture and military strategy. The episode wraps up with a tease about upcoming content related to AI.
Oct 22, 2025 • 23min
Sizing up the Gaza rebuild
The podcast dives deep into the complexities of rebuilding Gaza after its destruction, leveraging comparisons with Mosul’s recovery. It discusses the staggering $70 billion cost estimate for Gaza's reconstruction, while questioning who will take on this monumental task. The scale of damage is highlighted, revealing that Gaza's devastation far exceeds that of Mosul. With challenges such as debris clearance and housing for the displaced, the conversation raises urgent questions about potential political fallout if rebuilding efforts fail.
Oct 20, 2025 • 26min
The balloon that started the US Air Force
Marc Fennell, host of No One Saw It Coming, dives into the whimsical world of Thaddeus Lowe, a theatrical 'Professor' who, with a striking mustache, played a pivotal role in aerial espionage during the Civil War. The conversation covers Lowe’s ambitious balloon flights, his encounters with skeptical military officials, and his accidental landing in Confederate territory. It explores how accusations of spying led to the birth of balloon reconnaissance, ultimately laying the groundwork for the U.S. Air Force.
Oct 15, 2025 • 23min
What happens if Trump takes over the Federal Reserve?
Donald Trump's threat to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell sent shockwaves through financial markets. The importance of central bank independence is explored, highlighting past pressures from presidents like Nixon. The podcast delves into how interest rates control inflation and examines the consequences of politicizing monetary policy, using Turkey as a case study. The discussion also warns about the risks of sacrificing Fed independence for immediate gains like lower borrowing costs. Will history repeat itself under new leadership?
Oct 13, 2025 • 17min
The time the US Navy teamed up with the Mafia
Marc Fennell, a journalist and host of No One Saw It Coming, shares a jaw-dropping tale of WWII, discussing how the US Navy struck an unlikely alliance with the Mafia. They dive into a shocking 1942 ship fire that unveiled security gaps in New York and prompted the Navy to partner with mobsters like Socks Lanza and Lucky Luciano. The moral complexities of this deal and its impact on military operations and political careers add to the intrigue, raising questions about efficacy and ethics in wartime desperation.
Oct 8, 2025 • 17min
Weighing up Ozempic
The discussion dives into the intriguing history of weight-loss products, revealing a century of harmful fads and social shaming. With semaglutide, hailed as a miracle drug, it uncovers the fascinating science behind appetite suppression. The market's explosive demand raises concerns about shortages for diabetes patients. They also address the psychological toll of weight regain after stopping the drug and the hefty costs involved. Finally, the potential for semaglutide to influence not just weight but other addictive behaviors adds a captivating layer to the conversation.
Oct 6, 2025 • 21min
The Montana Mountain King and a conspiracy to clone
Join environment reporter Peter de Kruijff, who uncovered the wild story of 81-year-old Jack Schubarth, sentenced for orchestrating a bizarre cloning conspiracy involving bighorn sheep tissues. Delve into the strange world of trophy game ranching and the lengths people go to, including smuggling genetic material for cloning. Peter also discusses the modern cloning industry, the ethics behind it, and even Barbra Streisand's famous pet cloning experience. Cloning's fascinating implications and challenges are laid bare!
